Commercial Director at The Boatyard Distillery

From directing bars at London’s historic Savoy, including the World’s Best Bar (American Bar), to his current role, Declan McGurk’s journey is impressive. Discovering his passion for bartending while studying at the University of Leeds in 1999, he quickly swapped library hours for cocktail flair. Named National Bartender of the Year in 2002, he managed Trio Bar and Grill in Leeds, leading it to win Best Night Out in 2005. Declan was later awarded National Bar Manager of the Year in 2007 and helped Arc Inspirations become the Theme Magazine National Multiple Operator of the Year in 2009. In 2013, Declan became Bar Manager at The American Bar, The Savoy, and later Director of Bars in 2018. Now, as Commercial Director of The Boatyard Distillery, he drives global development, blending quality with heritage, and reconnects with his Irish roots.